Literacy Coaching: The Essentials (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Literacy coaching offers great promise as a field..." (more)
Key Phrases: English Learners, English Language Learners, Katherine Casey (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This book achieves something which is rare in professional development books. It demonstrates how to integrate core instructional elements into successful practice.... It should become a central text for study at the classroom, school, and district level.
- Anthony J. Alvarado, former Superintendent, District 2, New York and former Chancellor of Instruction, San Diego City Schools

What do literacy coaches do? Who do they coach? How does it work? Katherine Casey is a veteran literacy coach, and on the first page of Literacy Coaching she gets down to business: "I coach teachers in their classrooms, demonstrating lessons, working alongside teachers as they teach, problem solving together how to better meet the needs of their students." From there she presents the most authoritative, comprehensive, and focused guide on literacy coaching available.

Literacy Coaching takes you inside today's main coaching models, exploring their roles and responsibilities. Beginning with what coaches do, Casey provides real-life examples of what you'll need to know and what abilities the job requires, as well as crucial but often overlooked details such as how to build a relationship with your principal and how to assess the strengths and needs of the teachers you'll work with. Then she presents a variety of professional development structures that help you deliver smart, targeted instructional support where and when teachers need it most. Literacy Coaching gets into the nitty-gritty, offering experience-honed advice on these and numerous other important coaching functions:

• gathering materials, gaining entry, and getting started
• developing trusting relationships
• taking notes while observing teachers and students
• using data to uncover areas of instructional need
• teaching side by side with a host teacher and debriefing afterward
• coaching strategies and language
• running powerful workshops, visitations, and meetings

Filled with examples of completed instructional observation forms, graphic organizers, correspondence and conversations with faculty and administrative constituencies, and classroom vignettes that illustrate how coaching really looks, Literacy Coaching is the ideal companion for a practicing coach or consultant and especially for teachers who want to become one.

About the Author

Katherine Casey is a former elementary school teacher who now consults with school districts around the country, supporting educators from elementary to university level in developing and implementing effective instruction. Katherine coaches teachers, literacy coaches, and administrators on the improvement of instruction, professional development, and educational leadership.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Heinemann (July 24, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0325009414
• ISBN-13: 978-0325009414
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #161,964 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What is a Literacy Coach?, September 27, 2007

By	C. Dearman (Asheville, NC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I needed to know what a literacy coach was when my principal asked me to consider applying for the job. This book was extrememly helpful in giving me the details in order for me to make my decision. I am now a literacy coach, and I plan to use this book regularly!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Literacy Coaching, September 9, 2007

By	Linda Darling (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I actually ordered this for my ELL Coach as it came highly recommended. My ELL Coach has read it and the feedback is, that it is very helpful and useful, particularly since this is her first time as an instructional coach.

5.0 out of 5 stars Need a tool to inform your coaching? Look no further..., July 10, 2009

By	R. Eader - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a literacy coach, I am often looking for materials or resources to guide my work. This book is one that I highly value. The role of the coach is clearly defined and Casey shares insights from both her years in education and as a coach. Her consise and clear approach makes this text easy to understand and unwraps some of the mystery surrounding the coaching process.